South West Coast Path: 9-Day Challenging Hike

DAY 1: Arrival in Padstow

From your point of arrival, use the public transport information we provide to make the journey to Padstow.

DAY 2: Padstow to Mawgan Porth

Distance 29km • Approximate Walking Time 7 - 10 hrs • Ascent (↑) 670m

A truly splendid walk, along relatively gentle coastal terrain and long sandy beaches make this section of the trail an absolute pleasure from start to finish. Keep an eye out for the Bronze Age ‘barrows’ (ancient burial sites), Bedruthan Steps and a large sinkhole close to Dinas Head.

DAY 3: Mawgan Porth to Perranporth

23/33km • 8 - 11 hrs • (↑) 910/960m

Quite a remote walk initially before you reach the more urban environs of Newquay - the surfing capital of the UK. After negotiating the River Gannel (keep an eye on tide times), the trail meanders along grassy clifftop paths, sand dunes and long sandy beaches - particularly Perran Beach just past the Penhale Army Training Area.

DAY 4: Perranporth to Hell’s Mouth

27km • 7 - 10 hrs • (↑) 860m

From Perranporth, you pass into an area with a rich mining history. After a few short, but rather steep, climbs out of Porthtowan (and Portreath) the trail continues at a more gentle gradient as far as the café at Hell’s Mouth Bay - just past Deadman’s Cove. The names may be quite morbid but the home baking in the café is to die for!

DAY 5: Hell’s Mouth to St Ives

21km • 5 - 7 hours • (↑) 340m

A beautiful walk around Godrevy Head is followed by a challenging section along the dunes or, tides permitting, a

stretch of wonderful sandy beach as far as Hayle. A prolonged section of road-walking from Hayle takes you inland around the Hayle River Estuary. From Lelant, a stunning coastal path leads you all the way into St Ives.

DAY 6: St Ives to Pendeen Village

25km • 7 - 10 hours • (↑) 1160m

The walking trail becomes more rugged south of St Ives but rewards with a beautiful wildness and spectacular scenery. With numerous climbs in and out of coves and inlets, the hike will require good stamina and an early start. Stock up on provisions before you leave as there are no shops or cafes en route.

DAY 7: Pendeen Village to Porthcurno

26km • 7 - 10 hours • (↑) 960m

The wealth of mining ruins that dot the Cornish landscape is testament to the rich heritage of mining in the area. After passing Cape Cornwall (where the Atlantic Ocean meets the English Channel), there’s a lovely walk around Whitesand Bay into Sennen Cove. From here, it’s a short walk to Land’s End - the UK’s most south-westerly point.

DAY 8: Porthcurno to Penzance

18km • 4 - 6 hours • (↑) 520m

Initially, the trail is quite remote with picturesque little coves and tiny settlements from Porthcurno to the wonderfully named village of Mousehole - a good place to stop for refreshments. From Mousehole, the trail mainly follows asphalt roads/paths through the fishing port of Hamlyn and onwards into Penzance.

DAY 9: Departure from Penzance

There are regular bus & train services from Penzance to London and other destinations in the UK.